Synonyms for back out

Grammar : Verb

Spell : bak

Phonetic Transcription : bæk

Top 10 synonyms for back out

Other synonyms for the word back out

Définition of back out

Origin : Old English bæc "back," from Proto-Germanic *bakam (cf. Old Saxon and Middle Dutch bak, Old Frisian bek), with no known connections outside Germanic.
The cognates mostly have been ousted in this sense in other modern Germanic languages by words akin to Modern English ridge (cf. Danish ryg, German Rücken). Many Indo-European languages show signs of once having distinguished the horizontal back of an animal (or a mountain range) from the upright back of a human. In other cases, a modern word for "back" may come from a word related to "spine" (Italian schiena, Russian spina) or "shoulder, shoulder blade" (Spanish espalda, Polish plecy).
To turn (one's) back on (someone or something) "ignore" is from early 14c. Behind (someone's) back "clandestinely" is from late 14c.
To know (something) like the back of one's hand, implying familiarity, is first attested 1893. The first attested use of the phrase is from a dismissive speech made to a character in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Catriona":
If I durst speak to herself, you may be certain I would never dream of trusting it to you; because I know you like the back of my hand, and all your blustering talk is that much wind to me.
The story, a sequel to "Kidnapped," has a Scottish setting and context, and the back of my hand to you was noted in the late 19th century as a Scottish expression meaning "I will have nothing to do with you" [e.g. "Jamieson's Dictionary of the Scottish Language"]. In English generally, the back of (one's) hand has been used to imply contempt and rejection since at least 1300. Perhaps the connection of a menacing dismissal is what made Stevenson choose that particular anatomical reference.

verb withdraw

Example sentences :

If I talk fight, I won't begin for no reason and then back out for no reason.
Extract from : « In the Midst of Alarms » by Robert Barr

I should hate to ask Sol Bangs for anything and then have to back out afterwards.
Extract from : « Cap'n Eri » by Joseph Crosby Lincoln

"I've gone too far to back out," admitted Boyne, patting the outside of his coat.
Extract from : « Blow The Man Down » by Holman Day

"You can back out, if you want to," added Richard, in an indifferent tone.
Extract from : « In School and Out » by Oliver Optic

If you are afraid, Sandy, back out, and we will go home again.
Extract from : « In School and Out » by Oliver Optic

After a moment the officers began to back out, one by one, through the doorway.
Extract from : « Lorraine » by Robert W. Chambers

She might feel that she ought to get a bit of her own back out of the plaintiff's solicitor.
Extract from : « Lady Bountiful » by George A. Birmingham

I don't want to back out while the rest of the fellows stick.
Extract from : « Down the Rhine » by Oliver Optic

He tried to back out, but dropped his reins and swore dutifully.
Extract from : « The Four Million » by O. Henry

It was monstrous unhandy to git to it, but I was termined not to back out.
Extract from : « Southern Literature From 1579-1895 » by Louise Manly

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019